Day 1: Arrive at Paro International Airport – Transfer to Thimphu.
Distance: 54 km
Driving time: 1hr 20mins drive.
Altitude in Thimphu: 2,400 m / 7,874 ft above sea level.
Our pilgrimage begins with a journey towards east into the booming metropolis of Thimphu. Situated at an altitude of 2,400 m it is home to 140,000 Bhutanese. Thimphu being the capital of Bhutan, offers unique opportunities to explore the Bhutanese culture, lifestyle and traditions in depth.
We invite you to see the sights of the Kingdom’s capital with us. Below we have listed some of the experiences that we enjoy the most!
Roughly 30-minute drive from the airport towards Thimphu we will stop to have a view of Tachogang Monastery. The temple of excellent horse built by Thangthong Gyalpo (Iron chain builder in Bhutan) in 15th century. Down by the river we can see one of his Iron Bridge. You can take a walk and cross the suspension bridge built just next to the Iron bridge to have a closer look.
Once we arrive Thimphu, we will spend our time circumambulating the sacred National Memorial Chorten. This is a Tibetan-style chorten built in 1974 in memory of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk who passed away in 1972. It is one of the most visible religious structures in town and for many people it is the focus of daily worship. Remember to walk around the Chorten at least once to gain merit and good luck.
Next, we will drive up a ridge to visit the Biggest Buddha Statue at Kunesel Phodrang in Thimphu. This statue of Buddha measures 52 meters. It is one of the largest statues in the world. The statue is made of bronze and is gilded in gold. There are many smaller Buddha statues placed inside.
From the Buddha point we will drive to visit the Changangkha Lhakhang. The monastery is the old fortress-like lhakhang perched on a ridge above the city with great views of Thimphu town. The 12th century temple, which still remains one of the main centers of worship for the locals, is the home to the statue of the 11-headed Avalokitesvara, the God of Compassion. The lhakhang is frequently visited by families as it is believed that if you bring a sick child to the temple, it will not take long before it recovers. Many go to pray for their child’s protection.
After the Lhaakhang we will drive to visit Tashichhoe Dzong and have glimpse king Jigme’s Palace. The Dzong is popularly known as Thimphu Dzong. It is the seat of the government and the center of all religious affairs of the Kingdom. It houses the office and the throne room of His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck.
Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 2: Thimphu.
After breakfast we will briefly visit Semtokha Dzong. The oldest dzong in the country (built in 1629) stands on a soaring ridge 5 km away from Thimphu. Its strategic position is evident as it controls all the approaches to and from Thimphu. Notice the contrast of traditional and modern as you enter the dzong grounds; the white painted dzong with the growing city in the background and the newly constructed 52 m tall Buddha statue perched on the hill right behind.
We will drive to the National Post Office for stamps. Bhutan is famous for producing unique and innovative stamps. After selling peculiar ‘CD-stamps’ Bhutan’s Post office now offers personalized stamps; we invite you to surprise your family and friends with your custom-made stamp made with one of your favorite holiday photographs!
Next, we will take in more of kingdom’s rich culture at the Folk Heritage Museum. The museum is a restored three story traditional rammed mud and timber house inaugurated as a museum by Her Majesty the Queen Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk in 2001. It showcases the traditional artifacts used now and, in the past, which helps connect people to the Bhutanese rural life.
Typical Bhutanese Lunch at the Museum restaurant.
After lunch visit the Bhutanese Paper Factory. The art of handmade paper in Bhutan dates back to the 8th century, although usage was limited mainly to religious purposes. Today it is considered an important element in the preservation of Bhutan’s cultural heritage. The factory allows guests to view the paper making process and purchase gifts from their show room.
Next, we will stretch by hiking to the ancient Wangditse Goemba. It is an easy hike thru pine forest and with good overview of King Jigme’s palace. (2 hrs. hike) Wangditse Goemba was founded in 1750 by the attendants of Bhutan’s 8th desi, Yeshey Rabgye. It was renovated in 2002 after it suffered serious damage in a windstorm in 1995. The monastery is further undergoing major renovation after it was destroyed by the earthquake in 2011.
On our way back, we will stop to visit the Mini Zoo. The zoo used to exhibit various indigenous wild animals, which were later released back into the wild by order of the 4th King who declared that such a facility was not in keeping with the Bhutan’s environmental and religious convictions. The zoo now only features the Takin, which is the national animal of Bhutan. The Takins were originally released with the rest of the animals, but had become so familiar with people that they were found wandering around Thimphu looking for food. The only solution was to put them back into captivity.
Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 3: Transfer to Paro
Distance: 54 km
Driving time: 1hr 20 mins drive.
Altitude in Paro: 2,300 m / 7,544 ft above sea level.
The journey west takes us back to Paro valley following wang Chhu river and and Pa Chhu rivers before arriving in Paro.
Paro sightseeing should always start with the visit to the National Museum housed in the Ta dzong (watch tower). The intriguing collection of artefacts serves as a great introduction to the rich culture and heritage of the Kingdom. The National Museum boasts a rich variety of exhibits collected from all over the country and belonging to different eras, some as early as 2000 B.C. A visit through the galleries shows the country’s transition from the later Stone Age to a modern Mahayana Buddhist kingdom.
Next, from the museum we will drive down to visit the Paro Dzong and take in the amazing architecture of this 17th century monument, a premier example of Bhutan’s architecture. Paro Dzong was built in 17th century to defend Paro from the Tibetan invasion. This fine example of Bhutanese architecture now serves as a central monastic and administrative seat of the Paro district.
From the Dzong, a leisurely walk back into Paro town crosses the scenic Nyamai Zampa, a unique model of Bhutan’s traditional cantilever bridge.
Next, visit the auspicious Kyichu Monastery. The seventh century monastery is one of the oldest and most sacred temples in the Kingdom. The Tibetan King, Songsten Gampo ordered the establishment of monasteries in the Himalayan region to subdue evil spirits and to spread Buddhism. Of the 108 monasteries two were built in Bhutan namely the Kyichu Lhakhang and the Jampa Lhakhang in Bumthang.
After the visit we will drive up north to take a walk around the Drukgyel Dzong. The Dzong was built in 1649 to celebrate a decisive victory over Tibetan forces and to stop further invasions. Under the leadership of Zhabdrung, the Bhutanese fought twelve battles with the Tibetans in different parts of the country, whereof one took place in Drukgyel Dzong. In the later years, the Dzong became an administrative center under the Dzongpon (Lord of the Dzong) until gutted by a fire in 1951. Now it’s being rebuilt with financial help of Indian government.
Towards evening we will stroll around Paro Town is a must for all visitors who come to this valley. The town dates back from 1985 and its lined up by souvenir shops and café. If you are in for a good cup of café, stop at Mountain Roastery. They serve the best coffee in Bhutan.
Overnight in Paro.
Day 4: Paro
Today’s exploration of Paro valley begins with an early hike to Taktsang Goemba (Tiger’s Nest monastery) 4-5 hrs. hike.
The monastery is one of Bhutan’s most revered monuments. It literally hangs off the face of a cliff 900 meters above the valley floor. The legend states that Guru Rinpoche flew into Paro valley on a mythical tigress and meditated in a cave where Taktsang stands today. The Taktshang Goempa is built around the cave. The hike offers spectacular views of the Goempa and the valley below. Horses or mules can be arranged on request to help lighten the journey.
Lunch at Farm House followed by Traditional Hot Stone Bath which will help easy your muscle pain from the climb.
The hike to the famous Taktsang Goemba is a great finish to this day of cultural immersion and your journey to this ancient kingdom of BHUTAN.
Overnight in Paro.
Day 5: International Departure
